Autumn is officially here as of Saturday 22nd September, just a few days away, and now is time to start making all the necessary changes we need in order to have the happiest, healthiest autumn yet.
It’s not just the leaves that change during the autumn months, we do too, whether we realise it or not. And that change can be good or bad, depending on how we take care of ourselves. I am very much affected by the colder months and, in honesty, it’s not my favourite time of year. So I too will be taking on the necessary changes to help keep a spring in my step.
The changes we need to make may only be subtle but they can help make a huge difference to our mood, health and overall enjoyment of autumn.
- Get Outside!
People naturally stay wrapped up inside when it’s cold and dark outside but just 30 minutes of fresh air each day can significantly boost you up. Try and make some time each day to get out into nature. Find a golden forest and listen to the leaves crunching under your steps, get down to your local park and walk briskly in the seasonal sunshine, spend as much time in nature as possible. Wrap up warm and get outside to enjoy the magic of autumn.
- Boost Your Immunity Before It’s Too Late
Unfortunately becoming unwell at this time of year is common place for most people. Colds and flu are stronger than ever so it’s important to make sure your immunity is up to scratch. Remember, even if you catch a cold during AW a good immune system will make your symptoms less and you’ll fight it off faster. Ensure you are getting lots of nutrients from whole foods, fruits and vegetable and then top that up with daily juices. Basically, overdose on goodness! Make big hearty stews and warming soups (vegan of course!). Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin C and D, the immunity vitamins! Wash your hands often, use tissues to catch germs and get plenty of sleep.
- Drink Tea!
As well as getting lots of goodness from food you can stay warm and healthy by getting creative with your drinks. As the temperature drops stay warm with delicious cups of tea; lemon and ginger is immune boosting, chai is super warming, green tea will give you an energy boost and anything with peppermint will keep your stomach feeling fresh.
- Take Up A New Hobby
Ever notice your social calendar is a little sparser in the autumn months? Your friends are less willing to make spontaneous trips and people start to watch their bank balance in the run up to Christmas. But staying active and social in the autumn months makes the dark night so much more fun! You can take up a new hobby at home, learn a new skill via YouTube or sign up to an evening course in your local area. Meet new people and spending time doing new things will make the darker months fly by!
- Stay Active!
I know you’ve heard it all before but staying active during AW is the best way to boost your mood and improve your health. It doesn’t matter how you move, just move! Get on your yoga mat and flow through a sweaty Ashtanga practice, creating heat and burning toxins. Go for a run, getting outside in the fresh air and boosting your fitness is a sure fire way to feel great! Book a winter sports holiday and get practising on the indoor slopes. Whatever it is that makes your feel good whilst moving your body, do it!
Nature slows down during the colder months and that includes your body. Ever notice your hair grows sower in autumn and those stubborn few LBS are harder to shift? Your body naturally slows down and preserves everything from energy to fat! Getting your heart rate pumping for at least 30 minutes every day can really help keep you fighting fit in the colder months. Plus, think about how great you will look and feel once Spring rolls around!
If you make these 5 simple additions to your autumnal routine I can guarantee you’ll have your happiest, healthiest autumn ever!
